April 8, 2019: "Sapphires hailing from Kashmir are among the most highly-prized gems for serious connoisseurs,” saya Emily Barber, Director of Jewellery at Bonhams UK. A magnificent 17.43 carat Kashmir sapphire ring, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, leads the first Bonhams Jewels sale in London this April 30, and is estimated at £300,000-400,000.
Given its remarkable size together with the fact it comes from the mines of Kashmir, where the world's most sought after sapphires come from, it is expected to gain a lot of interest from buyers and collectors around the world during its pre-sale previews in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong.
Ms. Barber further continued, “After the discovery of the mine in the high Himalayan mountain region of northwest India in 1881 the majority of mining activity took place during the following decade, after which the supply was essentially exhausted. This makes them extremely rare and highly desirable to collectors who want to add an important sapphire to their collection."
The sale will also feature an exceptional collection of jewels from the British Modernist movement, dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. A Diamond and Gold Necklace by Charles De Temple, 1985; a Gold, Amethyst and Diamond Pendant from Andrew Grima; a Gold, Green Tourmaline and Diamond Bracelet by David Thomas; and an Emerald and Diamond 'Two Bees' ring by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. will also go under the hammer.
